MOSCOW, March 29. /TASS/. The majority (94%) of participants in a poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) consider themselves Russian patriots, the highest figure on record, according to the results of the survey published on the center's website.
"The level of patriotism among Russians is higher than ever: today, 94% of our fellow citizens consider themselves patriots, including 62% who are absolute patriots (plus 10 percentage points [p. p.] over the last year), an all-time high since data began to be collected. In general, the trend towards complete patriotism started in the fall of 2014, when the share of ‘absolute’ patriots for the first time in a long time significantly exceeded the share of [people claiming to be] ‘somewhat’ patriots (48% vs. 36%)," the report says.
Respondents link their homeland with family, a sense of feeling at home and good times with the people closest to them. It is not only their birthplace and current residence; but a place where they feel safe and happy. Respondents believe that loving your homeland means taking pride in Russia, defending it, helping it grow and knowing its history and culture. According to Russians, you know someone loves their country if they try to be a decent, responsible, honest and loyal person.
The survey was conducted on March 16 polling 1,600 Russians aged 18 and older.